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General => The Common Room => The Lighter Side => Topic started by: Fitty on Saturday 04 December 04 12:18 GMT (UK)

Title: Coxwain
Post by: Fitty on Saturday 04 December 04 12:18 GMT (UK)
Just found out one of my rellies was a Coxwain at Dover RNLI in 1870.  He was James Woodgate and won 2 silver medals for bravery....I know theres 4 but i dont know what the other two were for YET!...sending off for the details! 

Here is the dashing James in his finery!  I fink i'm in love!


Title: Re: Coxwain
Post by: Su on Saturday 04 December 04 15:16 GMT (UK)
That's lovely Fitty.  You must feel really proud.

Su
Title: Re: Coxwain
Post by: peterpiper on Saturday 04 December 04 16:18 GMT (UK)
a fine figure of a man, see the look of steel in his eyes
nice one fitty
peter
Title: Re: Coxwain
Post by: JillJ on Saturday 04 December 04 18:30 GMT (UK)
Nice lookin fella Fitty - makes a change from your usual Ag. Labs., miners and rat catchers!

Jill
Title: Re: Coxwain
Post by: Fitty on Saturday 04 December 04 22:53 GMT (UK)
It's really nice having my own " Capt Birds Eye"  lol
Title: Re: Coxwain
Post by: Hackstaple on Saturday 04 December 04 23:33 GMT (UK)
Wow Fitty! That is a sensational old gaffer! Like the sort of character that Gregory Peck or Charlton Heston played.
Title: Re: Coxwain
Post by: Trangy on Sunday 05 December 04 09:44 GMT (UK)
Magnificent photo Fitty, to think his lifeboat was rowed out to the rescue in those days, what courage!

We had an interesting talk by the Eastbourne Coxwain at our Family Roots meeting last month on the history of our lifeboat.

When asked why they still fire maroons when a launch is on, the coxwain explained that despite all the pagers, mobile phones etc it lets the people in distress know that help is on the way.

Trangy

Title: Re: Coxwain
Post by: Darcy on Monday 06 December 04 12:23 GMT (UK)
 
I think he wonderful Fitty - bet he could tell you a tale or two......

Darcy
Title: Re: Coxwain
Post by: Fitty on Monday 06 December 04 14:33 GMT (UK)
I wish!  Darcy  lol